The Federal High Court in Lagos has granted bail totalling N150 million to two traders facing separate charges over the alleged possession, importation, distribution and sale of unregistered vegetable oil and counterfeit alcoholic beverages.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa granted Ifeanyi Jasper bail in the sum of N50 million and Uchenna Ekezie bail in the sum of N100 million, with each defendant required to provide one surety who owns landed property within the court’s jurisdiction.
The two men were arraigned separately by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). They pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Jasper, 54, who trades as Femic Bridge Point, faces a four-count charge in suit number FHC/LAG/CR/818/2026 over alleged possession, importation and distribution of unwholesome vegetable oil identified as Aro Rapsol.
Prosecutor Anita Madu told the court that Jasper was allegedly found with the product at Trinity Warehouse in the Ojo area of Lagos on April 1, 2026. He was also accused of conspiring with and assisting a person identified as Akodow, reportedly resident in Germany and currently at large, to import and distribute the product.
Ekezie, 48, faces a seven-count charge in suit number FHC/LAG/CR/656/2026 over alleged dealings in counterfeit alcoholic beverages.
According to the prosecution, he was arrested on July 15, 2026, at his shop and parking shop in Ojuwoye Market, Mushin, Lagos, with products labelled Hennessy Very Special, Seaman’s Schnapps, Lord’s Gin London Dry, Eagle Aromatic Schnapps and Martell VS.
Madu alleged that Ekezie manufactured, stored, distributed and sold the drinks under insanitary conditions and packaged them in a manner capable of misleading consumers about their safety and authenticity.
The prosecution said the alleged offences contravened provisions of the Counterfeit and Fake Drugs and Unwholesome Processed Foods (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act and the Food, Drugs and Related Products (Registration, Etc.) Act.
Following the defendants’ pleas, the prosecutor requested a trial date and urged the court to remand them pending trial. Their lawyer, Gideon Eze, asked for time to file bail applications.
Justice Lewis-Allagoa held that the offences were bailable and granted the applications, while ordering that both defendants remain in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service until they meet their respective bail conditions.
The court adjourned the cases to December 4 for trial.